KVSH (not KV) Racing confirms signing of Bourdais

Sebastien Bourdais

KVSH Racing has a new image and a new driver.

KVSH Racing announced today that four-time series champion Sebastien Bourdais will pilot a car for the team during the 2014 and 2015 IndyCar Series seasons.

“I am extremely pleased to announce that Sebastien Bourdais will be driving for KVSH Racing for the next two years," said Kevin Kalkhoven. “Sebastien is a proven champion and we look forward to working with him to produce more championships."

Bourdais, 34, who was born in Le Mans France and resides in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the only driver to win four consecutive championships taking the Champ Car World Series title in 2004 through 2007. He is tied for second in all-time championships with Mario Andretti and Dario Franchitti with four although Bourdais did it in far fewer seasons (Bourdais, seven seasons, 112 starts, Franchitti, 17 seasons, 263 starts, Andretti, 29 seasons, 407 starts). Bourdais has won 31 U. S. based open-wheel races placing him eighth on the all-time list and is seventh on the all-time list with 31 pole positions. Internationally, he, competed in 27 Formula One races for Scuderia Toro Rosso (2008 – 2009) and has an impressive endurance racing record with 10 starts at the 24-Hours of Le Mans (one pole and three second place finishes, 2007, 2009 and 2011),four ILMC wins and finished second twice at Sebring. Bourdais also won the FIA International F3000 championship in 2002 and the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car event at Indianapolis in 2012.

“I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Sulli for this opportunity," said Bourdais. “The fact that I have an agreement with KVSH Racing so early, and that I have a two-year contract, shows the team’s commitment to their new era in the IndyCar Series. I am looking forward to meeting the crew and getting started with testing as soon as possible. I also want to thank Dragon Racing for their support over the last two seasons. I wish them the best of luck in the future."

“I am very pleased and proud to say that we have Sebastien Bourdais driving a KVSH Racing car," said Vasser. “I have raced against him and can say without a doubt that he is an exceptional driver and a true champion. We look forward to winning a lot of races with him."

KVSH Racing now includes James “Sulli" Sullivan, who joins Kalkhoven and Vasser as team principals – AR1.com had this story on him back in 2011.

“First of all I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser for their hard work. The three of us are committed to taking the team to the next level," said Sulli. “This is something we have been working towards for many months. I am ecstatic to sign Sebastien, a driver I expect will get it done for us throughout the season. This is the next step in building KVSH Racing into a team that competes for wins and championships every year. To that end you can expect further announcements in the near future."